The Dead Boy Detectives dropped on Netflix back in April, and followed Edwin and Charles, two teenage ghosts who work alongside a clairvoyant to solve mysteries for their supernatural clientele, until a powerful witch comes along and complicates their plans.
Fans binge-watched the entire thing in a matter of days, and were looking forward to a potential season two. But sadly, despite the internet pleads and social media campaigns, the show has been cancelled. But why?
When was Dead Boy Detectives cancelled?
Despite fans desperately hoping for a season 2, Variety reported on 30th August 2024 that the Neil Gaiman adaptation wouldn’t be returning for season two, due to unimpressive viewing figures. Their report says that while it peaked at the number two spot of the UK’s Most Watched chart, it “managed just 3.1 million views in its first three days of availability (Netflix defines a view as total series runtime divided by total hours viewed). It dropped to number three in its first full week of availability but rose in total views to 4.7 million. It then dropped to just 1.8 million views in week three before falling off the Top 10 chart.”
What have the cast said about Dead Boy Detectives being cancelled?
Jayden Revri, who plays Charles, took to Instagram to thank fans for their support. In a post, he wrote, “As this chapter closes I can’t help but reminisce on how incredible the last 3 years have been. I absolutely love this show and all of the amazing characters and the lessons they teach.
“None of them would’ve been bought to life if it wasn’t for my incredible co-stars, who taught me more than I could ever explain in writing, I am beyond grateful to you all.”
Yuyu Kitt, who played Niko, added in her own post, “I will be forever grateful for Dead Boy Detectives and the lessons it has taught me and the people it has brought into my life.
“Thank YOU for taking your time out of your lives to watch our show, share such loving support and go on this journey with us.
“Your messages have truly resonated with me, and I feel incredibly fortunate that you’ve all felt such a connection with the characters and the story. It’s hard when the people you love leave, but no one is ever gone, find us on Netflix for a rewatch or come check us out, it’s never too late. Case closed for now, see you on the next adventure.”
Briana Cuoco, who played Jenny the Butcher, also shared: “Wasn’t sure if i was going to post on my feed about this but decided I want my gratitude and love for this to live on here forever.
“It was a wonderful and wild 3 year journey making this show and we were all so excited for the possibility of what was to come. im so proud of what we made and im so sad the lives of these characters were cut short.
“Thank you to the best crew, our writers, every wonderful director we got to work with and every single person behind the camera…. It’s hard to even put into words how much i love her and all she represents. Lastly, the biggest thank you to those who watched and fell in love with these characters!”
What happened at the end of Dead Boy Detectives?
So, at the end of the series, the amulet Cat King affixed to Edwin has been released meaning he can finally leave Port Townsend and return to London.
But, he also comes out to Charles and admits that he’s in love with him, so we can expect that to develop further in season two.
Edwin and Charles also welcome Night Nurse to the Dead Boy Detectives agency and in the final scene, we are transported to a lonely igloo, where none other than Niko sits by the fire with the two Sprites. Exciting!
Dead Boy Detectives is streaming on Netflix now.
Furvah Shah is Cosmopolitan UK’s junior entertainment and lifestyle writer. She covers everything from TV and films to music and books, plus lots of celebrity news. Furvah has previously written for , BBC, and and she is super passionate about highlighting diverse talent and projects, having interviewed the likes of Halle Bailey, India Amarteifio, Iman Vellani and more. She’s been interviewed for Times Radio and BBC Asian Network, graduated with a First in BA Media and Communications from Goldsmiths University and is an NCTJ-qualified journalist. In her free time, you can find her at an arts or culture event, eating Middle Eastern or Asian food, searching for modest fashion inspiration on Pinterest, binge-watching a Netflix series or cuddling with her cat. You can follow Furvah on , , and .
